History and Environmental Fair

Once again the History and Environmental Fair co-sponsored by the Shawnee County Conservation District was a success. More than 800 students from schools throughout northeastern Kansas participated in the educational event. Many thank yous go out to all the participants who donate their time and efforts to make this day a great yearly event. The thank you note below illustrates the feelings of the many teachers and students who spent the day.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to attend the History and Environmental Fair. Our 5th grade classes really loved the chance to see all the exhibits and tie together their learning in science and social studies. This was one of our best trips ever! I hope we can attend next year also.

Burlingame Elementary 5th grade

View images from this and previous History and Environmental Fairs.

Make plans to attend next year's History & Environmental Fair which will be held in Thursday, April 26, 2012.

The annual event aims to teach students grades four through six how Kansans have been "living green" for generations. This event began as a way to highlight our wonderful nature trail. It has evolved into a celebration of our state's natural resources and an exploration into exciting new opportunities for using them.

Living "green" has become quite popular in today's world. It is a lifestyle defined by the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. These three Rs aim to reduce the amount of waste and, at the same time, get the most benefit from the things we use. By living green, people help to improve the environment and protect our resources for future Kansans.

Featuring:

New exhibitors each year
Discover composting, tree recycling, and other environmentally-friendly demonstrations
Try your hand at traditional life skills that helped our ancestors survive in early Kansas
Explore activity and exhibit booths staffed by representatives from Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Department of Health & Environment, Keep America Beautiful, and the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library
Meet native Kansas animals
Teachers will receive a packet of information to use in classrooms.

Teachers: This event provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce your environment, history, and science lessons. We aim to meet the following teaching standards:

Fourth grade Science

Standard 6, Benchmark 2, the student understands the impact of human activity on resources and environment

Fourth grade Geography

Benchmark 5, Indicator 1, student examines natural resource challenges and ways people have developed solutions as they use renewable and nonrenewable resources

Fifth grade Science

Standard 6, Benchmark 2, student demonstrates an awareness of changes in the environment.

There is plenty of room so schools may come and go at their convenience but should plan at least two hours at the event and an hour in the museum. The fair will feature some 30 different hands-on activities, displays, and a nature trail that will educate students in many aspects of environmental issues. Information at the event will be suitable for students generally from the fourth grade and up.

The fair is organized such that each exhibitor has a display area. Teachers escort their class to each display where a 10-minute presentation is made. Teachers may choose to go to some or all of the displays. Each teacher will receive a packet of information and activities that can be used later in classroom.

There is no admission charge for the History and Environmental Fair.

The event will be held rain or shine.